Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery

FISHERY: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General category commercial

CLOSED: September 24, 2026, 11:30 p.m. local time

REASON FOR CLOSURE: Based on the best available landings information, the General category September subquota is projected to be reached shortly.

PERMITS AFFECTED: Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna.

Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category or Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna from 11:30 p.m., September 24, 2026 through September 30, 2026. Previously-designated restricted-fishing days for the rest of the September time period will be waived when this closure takes effect.

The General category will reopen on October 1, 2026, with the default daily/trip retention limit of one fish per vessel. Commercial fishermen will not be able to fish for or land bluefin tuna on restricted-fishing days (every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday) beginning on October 1, 2026.

RECREATIONAL: Not affected by this closure.